Amassing Russian troops along border is not a coincidence - Ukraine's UN envoy

Ukraine's U.N. Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko listens during a special General Assembly meeting in observance of the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, April 26, 2016 at UN headquarters. (AP Photo)

UN Security Council convenes for emergency meeting on Ukraine and Russia

The UN Security Council has convened for an urgent meeting concerning the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, including the latest developments on the administrative border between Crimea and mainland Ukraine.

Head of Ukrainian mission to UN Volodymyr Yelchenko said he hopes the consultations of Security Council members will influence Russia in order not to aggravate the situation.

During a briefing which followed the meeting, Yelchenko thanked the UN Security Counil members "who without any questions confirmed their strong positions on the respect for territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine including Crimea."

Ukrainian envoy also stated the country is ready for any further action within the UN framework "if need be."

On August 10, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Volodymyr Yelchenko has held an urgent briefing on the situation around Crimea after statements declared by Russian security forces and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yelchenko drew parallels between the current situation and that of August 2008, when Russia invaded Georgia.